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Top NHL Insider Shuts Down Rumour of Erik Karlsson Trade to One Specific Canadian Team

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 3:23 PM ET

Erik Karlsson was recently linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs, but now David Pagnotta has shut down any speculation surrounding the Penguins veteran blue liner.

The Pittsburgh Penguins came into the 2025 off-season looking to move off some of their veterans, with the trio of Rickard Rakell, Bryan Rust and Erik Karlsson seen as the obvious candidates to be moved.

We've seen very little movement on any front thus far, but recently, a rumour was brought up linking the latter to the Toronto Maple Leafs, as he'd bring the offense the team sorely need from their blue line.

However, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period has now shut down any link between Toronto and Erik Karlsson, noting that he's heard absolutely nothing linking the two parties to a surprising trade.

That doesn't mean that Karlsson won't end up a Maple Leaf, as they are a team that could both fit him into their lineup as well as their salary cap, but as of right now, there's been no clear conversations had between Toronto and Pittsburgh about a potential deal.

While he's getting up there in age, Karlsson had another solid campaign in 2024/25, posting 11 goals and 53 points in his third straight year with 82 games played, and with most of his salary already paid out via bonus, he's much more affordable than his initial contract would appear.

Pagnotta also notes that Toronto have approached Morgan Rielly about potentially waiving his no-movement clause, and if a deal were to come to fruition, the offense lost would make perfect sense to be replaced by Karlsson.

Ultimately, Karlsson is a name that makes sense for many teams around the NHL, Toronto especially, but according to this top insider, nothing concrete has happened between them... yet.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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